Battery life indication techniques for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

A portable electronic device, such as a fluid infusion device, obtains its operating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery. The primary battery may be a replaceable battery, and the secondary battery may be a rechargeable battery that can be charged with the primary battery under certain conditions. The device utilizes a power management scheme that transitions between the primary battery and/or the secondary battery to prolong the useful life of the primary battery. The device may also generate an intelligent battery life indicator that displays an accurate representation of the remaining life of the primary battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/051,669, filed Mar. 18, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally topower control, management, and monitoring for electronic devices, suchas fluid infusion pumps, analyte sensor devices, mobile phones, and thelike. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate topower management and battery life indication schemes for a portableelectronic device having a primary battery and a secondary battery.

BACKGROUND

The prior art is replete with various types of electronic devices. Forexample, portable medical devices are useful for patients that haveconditions that must be monitored on a continuous or frequent basis. Inthis regard, diabetics are usually required to modify and monitor theirdaily lifestyle to keep their blood glucose (BG) in balance. Somediabetics use portable insulin pump systems that are designed to deliveraccurate and measured doses of insulin via infusion sets (an infusionset delivers the insulin through a small diameter tube that terminatesat, e.g., a cannula inserted under the patient's skin). Portable insulinpumps are usually powered by either an alkaline battery, a lithium-ionbattery, or a rechargeable battery.

One drawback with battery operated devices is the inability to utilizeall of the energy stored in the battery due to the natural voltage decayassociated with energy depletion. This particular problem is mostprevalent with alkaline batteries, which tend to suffer a drop involtage after a relatively short period of time even though an adequateamount of stored energy remains. Lithium and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)batteries tend to maintain a more stable voltage over time, whichgenerally allows for a higher percentage of the stored energy to beutilized, relative to the amount of stored energy typically utilizedwith alkaline batteries. Although lithium and NiMH batteries maintain avery stable voltage over time, they suffer from a sharp voltage drop atthe end of life. Predicting when this drop will occur is very difficultand often requires a great deal of testing and characterization to allowfor a sufficient user warning before the actual end of the battery life.

The remaining amount of battery life is often displayed on an electronicdevice in the form of a graphical icon, an indicator, a graph, or thelike. Conventional battery life indicators used with consumer devices(e.g., mobile phones, digital media players, and video game devices) canbe inaccurate and imprecise. Moreover, conventional battery lifeindicators may not use a proportional time scale for purposes ofrepresenting the remaining amount of battery life. For example, if thetotal lifespan of a replaceable battery is ten days for a givenelectronic device, a conventional battery life indicator might indicatefull battery capacity for eight days, and thereafter indicate a quickdecrease in battery capacity. Thus, it would be desirable to have abattery life indicator that accurately and proportionately indicates theremaining amount of battery life relative to actual runtime of thebattery.

BRIEF SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment of a power management method for an electronicdevice having a primary battery and a secondary battery is provided. Themethod involves operating the electronic device in different powerphases: a first power phase during which the primary battery providesenergy to support all functions of the electronic device; a second powerphase during which the primary battery provides energy to support basicfunctions of the electronic device, and during which the secondarybattery provides energy to support high power functions of theelectronic device; and a third power phase during which the secondarybattery provides energy to support all functions of the electronicdevice.

Also provided is an exemplary embodiment of a power management methodfor an electronic device having a primary battery, a secondary battery,a voltage converter to convert an output voltage of the primary batteryto a main supply voltage for the electronic device, a first voltage railto provide operating voltage for basic functions of the electronicdevice, a second voltage rail to provide operating voltage for highpower functions of the electronic device, and a power distributionsystem. The method monitors the main supply voltage during operation ofthe electronic device and arranges the power distribution system in anappropriate manner. The method initially operates the power distributionsystem in a first power phase such that the primary battery providesvoltage for the first voltage rail and the second voltage rail. Themethod transitions the power distribution system from the first powerphase to a second power phase such that the primary battery providesvoltage for the first voltage rail, and such that the secondary batteryprovides voltage for the second voltage rail. Transitioning from thefirst power phase to the second power phase is triggered when the mainsupply voltage falls below a threshold value while monitored during thefirst power phase. The method also transitions the power distributionsystem from the second power phase to a third power phase such that thesecondary battery provides voltage for the first voltage rail and thesecond voltage rail. Transitioning from the second power phase to thethird power phase is triggered when the main supply voltage falls belowthe threshold value while monitored during the second power phase.

An exemplary embodiment of a power distribution system for a portableelectronic device is also provided. The power distribution systemincludes: a first voltage rail to provide operating voltage for basicfunctions of the electronic device; a second voltage rail to provideoperating voltage for high power functions of the electronic device; aprimary battery coupled in a selectable manner to the first voltage railand the second voltage rail; a secondary battery coupled in a selectablemanner to the first voltage rail and the second voltage rail; aselection architecture coupled to the first voltage rail, the secondvoltage rail, the primary battery, and the secondary battery; and acontrol module to regulate operation of the selection architecture inaccordance with different power phases.

An exemplary embodiment of a method of controlling a battery lifeindicator for a primary battery of an electronic device is alsopresented. The method involves: monitoring a battery voltage of theprimary battery; obtaining at least one operating parameter of theelectronic device other than the battery voltage of the primary battery;and generating the battery life indicator with characteristics thatrepresent remaining battery life of the primary battery, wherein thecharacteristics are dictated by the monitored battery voltage and theobtained at least one operating parameter.

Also provided is an exemplary embodiment of a method of controlling abattery life indicator for an electronic device having a primary batteryand a secondary battery. The electronic device operates in either afirst power phase during which only the primary battery supportsfunctions of the electronic device, a second power phase during whichboth the primary battery and the secondary battery support functions ofthe electronic device, or a third power phase during which only thesecondary battery supports functions of the electronic device. Themethod involves: determining whether the electronic device is operatingin the first power phase, the second power phase, or the third powerphase, resulting in a determined power phase; obtaining a runtimemeasurement for the primary battery; and generating the battery lifeindicator with characteristics that represent remaining battery life ofthe primary battery, wherein the characteristics are controlled by thedetermined power phase and the obtained runtime measurement.

An exemplary embodiment of a battery monitor system for an electronicdevice having a primary battery and a secondary battery is alsopresented. The battery monitor system includes: a voltage monitor thatmonitors a battery voltage of the primary battery; a control module tooperate the electronic device in a designated power phase correspondingto either a first power phase, a second power phase, or a third powerphase; a runtime counter to maintain a runtime measurement for theprimary battery; and a battery life indicator controller coupled to thevoltage monitor, the control module, and the runtime counter to generatea battery life indicator for the electronic device that indicates anamount of remaining battery life of the primary battery. The amount ofremaining battery life is governed by at least two of: the batteryvoltage of the primary battery; the designated power phase; and theruntime measurement.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the detaileddescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived byreferring to the detailed description and claims when considered inconjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbersrefer to similar elements throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates voltage level versus time provided by different typesof batteries;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid infusiondevice;

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram representation of an exemplaryembodiment of a fluid infusion device;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of apower distribution system suitable for use with an electronic devicesuch as the fluid infusion device shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of aphased power management process associated with the operation of anelectronic device;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of abattery life indicator process associated with the operation of anelectronic device; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates a particular embodiment of abattery life indicator process associated with the operation of anelectronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature andis not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or theapplication and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word“exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.”Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily tobe construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background,brief summary or the following detailed description.

Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms offunctional and/or logical block components, and with reference tosymbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functionsthat may be performed by various computing components or devices. Itshould be appreciated that the various block components shown in thefigures may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/orfirmware components configured to perform the specified functions. Forexample, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ variousintegrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signalprocessing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, whichmay carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or moremicroprocessors or other control devices.

The subject matter described here relates to battery systems, powermanagement, displayed battery life indicators, and related processesthat may be carried out by an electronic device. The electronic devicewill typically be a portable or mobile device, although portability isnot a requirement. In practice, a portable electronic device may be apersonal medical device (e.g., a fluid infusion device such as aninsulin pump, a glucose sensor, a transmitter, a pacemaker, or any typeof medical monitor), a mobile phone, a handheld computer, a digitalmedia player, a video game device, an electronic book reader, or thelike. Indeed, the subject matter presented here applies to anyelectronic device that is powered or can be powered by a removableprimary battery and a secondary battery.

Although certain exemplary embodiments are described below in thecontext of a fluid infusion device, the concepts and methodologies neednot be limited to that particular application. Moreover, for the sake ofbrevity, conventional techniques and technologies related to infusionsystem operation, insulin pump and/or infusion set operation, bloodglucose sensing and monitoring, and other functional aspects of thesystems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may notbe described in detail here. Examples of infusion pumps and/or relatedpump drive systems used to administer insulin and other medications maybe of the type described in, but not limited to, U.S. Pat. Nos.4,562,751; 4,678,408; 4,685,903; 5,080,653; 5,505,709; 5,097,122;6,485,465; 6,554,798; 6,558,351; 6,659,980; 6,752,787; 6,817,990;6,932,584; and 7,621,893; which are herein incorporated by reference.

Many portable electronic devices are powered by one or more batteries.The standard AA battery is commonly used in a wide variety of electronicdevices, including portable medical devices. The nominal voltage of a AAbattery is typically within the range of about 1.25 to 1.65 volts,depending upon the chemistry type of the AA battery. Electronic devicesare often powered by alkaline, nickel-cadmium (NiCad), lithium, orlithium-ion batteries. Different types of batteries exhibit differentvoltage characteristics over time. In this regard, FIG. 1 illustratesvoltage level versus time provided by different types of batteries.

The plot 10 in FIG. 1 represents a typical voltage curve for areplaceable alkaline battery. The alkaline battery begins its life at arelatively high voltage, e.g., approximately 1.55 volts for a AA sizebattery, but its initial voltage drops after a short amount of time.Thereafter, its voltage decreases somewhat gradually over time. Incontrast, a lithium battery is capable of providing a much higherinitial voltage and sustaining relatively high voltage for a long periodof time. However, as illustrated by the plot 14 in FIG. 1, a lithiumbattery typically experiences a sharp voltage drop at or near its end oflife. This rapid drop in voltage is represented by the “knee”characteristic of the plot 14. If a lithium battery is being used in aportable electronic device, a user of the portable electronic device mayhave only a short amount of time after receiving a low battery messagebefore the portable electronic device loses power. A rechargeablebattery can be a good economic solution for an owner of a portableelectronic device. Rather than buying new replaceable batteries, theuser may utilize household current to charge a rechargeable batteryafter the battery has expended its energy. Many portable electronicdevices cannot utilize rechargeable batteries because the initialvoltage supplied by rechargeable batteries is too low to satisfy theoperating requirements of those devices. The rechargeable battery hascharacteristics similar to the alkaline battery in terms of how long itcan power a device, but as illustrated by the plot 16 in FIG. 1, theinitial voltage supplied by the rechargeable battery is lower than theinitial voltage supplied by the alkaline battery.

The electronic device described below employs a primary battery (whichis a replaceable battery in the exemplary embodiment) and a secondarybattery (which is a “permanent” or non-replaceable rechargeable batteryin the exemplary embodiment). The electronic device carries out a powermanagement scheme that enables the electronic device to utilize most ofthe stored energy in the primary battery before it needs to be replaced.The power management scheme allows the electronic device to efficientlyand interchangeably use alkaline, lithium, and other battery types asthe primary battery. In practice, the power management scheme could alsoleverage some of the features described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,737,581, therelevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

As mentioned above, a portable medical device such as a fluid infusiondevice could leverage the power management and battery life indicationtechniques presented here. In this regard, FIG. 2 is a plan view of anexemplary embodiment of a fluid infusion device 100. FIG. 2 also showsan infusion set 102 coupled to the fluid infusion device 100. The fluidinfusion device 100 is designed to be carried or worn by the patient.The fluid infusion device 100 may leverage a number of conventionalfeatures, components, elements, and characteristics of existing fluidinfusion devices. For example, the fluid infusion device 100 mayincorporate some of the features, components, elements, and/orcharacteristics described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,485,465 and 7,621,893, therelevant content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

This embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a user interface 104 havingseveral buttons that can be activated by the user. These buttons can beused to administer a bolus of insulin, to change therapy settings, tochange user preferences, to select display features, and the like.Although not required, the illustrated embodiment of the fluid infusiondevice 100 includes a display element 106. The display element 106 canbe used to present various types of information or data to the user,such as, without limitation: the current glucose level of the patient;the time; a graph or chart of the patient's glucose level versus time;device status indicators, including a battery life indicator 107; etc.In some embodiments, the display element 106 is realized as a touchscreen display element and, therefore, the display element 106 alsoserves as a user interface component.

The fluid infusion device 100 accommodates a fluid reservoir (hiddenfrom view in FIG. 2) for the fluid to be delivered to the user.Activation of an internal motor results in actuation of the fluidreservoir, which in turn delivers the fluid. A length of tubing 108 isthe flow path that couples the fluid reservoir to the infusion set 102.The tubing 108 extends from the fluid infusion device 100 to theinfusion set 102, which provides a fluid pathway with the body of theuser. A removable cap or fitting 110 is suitably sized and configured toaccommodate replacement of fluid reservoirs (which are typicallydisposable) as needed. In this regard, the fitting 110 is designed toaccommodate the fluid path from the fluid reservoir to the tubing 108.

As mentioned previously, the fluid infusion device 100 is suitablyconfigured to support a number of power and battery related techniques,processes, and methodologies. In practice, the fluid infusion device 100includes one or more electronics modules, processing logic, softwareapplications, and/or other features that are used to carry out thevarious operating processes described here. In this regard, FIG. 3 is aschematic block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment of thefluid infusion device 100. FIG. 3 depicts some previously-describedelements of the fluid infusion device 100 as functional blocks ormodules, namely, the display element 106; the user interface 104; andthe battery life indicator 107. FIG. 3 also depicts a fluid reservoir111 and the infusion set 102 in block format. This particular embodimentof the fluid infusion device 100 also includes, without limitation: oneor more electronics, processor, and control modules 120; a suitableamount of memory 122; a backlight element 124, which may be integratedwith the display element 106; an audio transducer element 126; a powerdistribution system 128; a voltage monitor 130 (which in certainembodiments may be realized as a voltage supervisor); a battery runtimecounter 132; a motor 134 to actuate the fluid reservoir 111; and otherinfusion pump hardware, software, and applications 136. The elements ofthe fluid infusion device 100 may be coupled together via aninterconnection architecture 138 or arrangement that facilitatestransfer of data, commands, power, etc.

The module(s) 120 may represent any number of electronics modules,processor modules, logical elements, controllers, and/or control modulesof the fluid infusion device 100. The module(s) 120 may include or beimplemented with a general purpose processor, a plurality of cooperatingprocessor devices, a content addressable memory, a digital signalprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit, a fieldprogrammable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination designed to perform the functions described here. Aprocessor device may be realized as a microprocessor, a controller, amicrocontroller, or a state machine. Moreover, a processor device may beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with adigital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

As described in more detail below, the module(s) 120 may be responsiblefor operating the fluid infusion device 100 in various power phases ormodes to take better advantage of stored battery energy. In this regard,the module(s) 120 may be used to monitor and/or measure operatingparameters of the fluid infusion device 100 (such as voltage levels),and regulate operation of switches, multiplexers, voltage converters, abattery charger, and the like. The module(s) 120 may also be responsiblefor controlling and generating the battery life indicator 107 inaccordance with the methodologies described below. Moreover, afunctional or logical module/component of the fluid infusion device 100might be realized by, implemented with, and/or controlled by processinglogic maintained by or included with the module(s) 120. For example, thedisplay element 106, the user interface 104, the motor 134, and/or theinfusion pump hardware, software, and applications 136 (or portionsthereof) may be implemented in or controlled by the module(s) 120.

The memory 122 may be realized as RAM memory, flash memory, EPROMmemory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, aCD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In thisregard, the memory 122 can be coupled to the module(s) 120 such that themodule(s) 120 can read information from, and write information to, thememory 122. In the alternative, the memory 122 may be integral to themodule(s) 120. As an example, a processor and the memory 122 may residein an ASIC. In practice, a functional or logical module/component of thefluid infusion device 100 might be realized using program code that ismaintained in the memory 122. Moreover, the memory 122 can be used tostore data utilized to support the operation of the fluid infusiondevice 100, including, without limitation, voltage measurements,operating status data, battery voltage thresholds, and the like (as willbecome apparent from the following description).

The user interface 104 may include a variety of items such as, withoutlimitation: a keypad, keys, buttons, a keyboard, switches, knobs (whichmay be rotary or push/rotary), a touchpad, a microphone suitably adaptedto receive voice commands, a joystick, a pointing device, analphanumeric character entry device or touch element, a trackball, amotion sensor, a lever, a slider bar, a virtual writing tablet, or anydevice, component, or function that enables the user to select options,input information, or otherwise control the operation of the fluidinfusion device 100. In this context, the user interface 104 maycooperate with or include a touch screen display element 106. The userinterface 104 allows a user to control the delivery of fluid via theinfusion set 102.

The display element 106 represents the primary graphical interface ofthe fluid infusion device 100. The display element 106 may leverageknown plasma, liquid crystal display (LCD), thin film transistor (TFT),and/or other display technologies. The actual size, resolution, andoperating specifications of the display element 106 can be selected tosuit the needs of the particular application. Notably, the displayelement 106 may include or be realized as a touch screen display elementthat can accommodate touch screen techniques and technologies. Inpractice, the display element 106 may be driven by a suitable displaydriver to enable the fluid infusion device 100 to display physiologicalpatient data, status information, clock information, alarms, alerts,and/or other information and data received or processed by the fluidinfusion device 100. For example, the display element 106 could be usedto display a graphical representation of the battery life indicator 107,as shown in FIG. 2.

The fluid infusion device 100 may include the backlight element 124integrated with or cooperating with the display element 106. Thebacklight element 124 is illuminated when needed (or when commanded todo so) to enhance the readability of the contents rendered on thedisplay element 106. As explained in more detail below, operation of thebacklight element 124 may be considered to be a high power function ofthe fluid infusion device 100 because activation of the backlightelement 124 typically requires a high amount of electrical current,which consumes a relatively high amount of energy. Consequently, thebacklight element 124 is coupled to a high power voltage rail of thefluid infusion device 100 (the voltage rail is not shown in FIG. 3).

The fluid infusion device 100 may also include one or more audiotransducer elements 126 to generate sound as needed or desired. Inpractice, the audio transducer element 126 requires a relatively highamount of energy to be driven properly (in certain embodiments, theaudio transducer element 126 may be realized as a piezoelectrictransducer, a speaker, or the like). Accordingly, operation of the audiotransducer element 126 may be considered to be a high power function ofthe fluid infusion device 100 because activation of the audio transducerelement 126 typically requires a high amount of electrical current,which consumes a relatively high amount of energy. Consequently, theaudio transducer element 126 is also coupled to the high power voltagerail of the fluid infusion device 100.

The power distribution system 128 is responsible for various powermanagement and battery selection processes carried out by the fluidinfusion device 100. It should be appreciated that a module 120, thevoltage monitor 130, the battery runtime counter 132, and/or some of theother infusion pump hardware, software, and applications 136 may beconsidered to be a part of the power distribution system 128. Duringoperation of the fluid infusion device 100, the power distributionsystem 128 is controlled and arranged to transition between differentpower phases (the different power phases are associated with primarybattery operation and/or secondary battery operation). An exemplaryembodiment of the power distribution system 128 is described in moredetail below with reference to FIG. 4.

The voltage monitor 130 is suitably configured to monitor one or morevoltage levels of the fluid infusion device 100. In this regard, thevoltage monitor 130 may be coupled to one or more voltage rails, voltagebuses, electrical nodes, or the like for purposes of detecting andmeasuring the respective voltage. Alternatively (or additionally), thevoltage monitor 130 could be incorporated into a power supply, a voltageconverter, a device driver, or the like. For example, and withoutlimitation, the voltage monitor 130 could monitor the primary batteryvoltage, the secondary battery voltage, the output of a voltageconverter that converts the primary battery voltage, the output of avoltage converter that converts the secondary battery voltage, a mainsupply voltage rail, a high power voltage rail, a low power voltagerail, or the like. When monitoring the primary battery for generation ofthe battery life indicator 107, the voltage monitor 130 may measure theprimary battery voltage in a loaded state or in a virtually unloadedstate (where loads that are not necessary for voltage measurement aredisconnected from the primary battery). Although this description refersto a single voltage monitor 130, an embodiment of the fluid infusiondevice 100 may utilize a plurality of voltage monitors 130 if sodesired.

The battery runtime counter 132 keeps track of a runtime measurement forthe primary battery (and, in certain embodiments, the secondarybattery). This enables the fluid infusion device 100 to generate thebattery life indicator 107 in a manner that is influenced by the runtimemeasurement. In practice, the battery runtime counter 132 may berealized as a timer that is reset whenever a primary battery isinstalled. The battery runtime counter 132 may keep track of the runtimein any desired unit or units of time, e.g., minutes, hours, days, orweeks. Alternatively, the battery runtime counter 132 could measure theruntime of the battery using any arbitrary reference system or unit ofmeasurement.

An exemplary implementation of the battery life indicator 107 is shownin FIG. 2. For this embodiment, the battery life indicator 107 isrealized as a dynamic graphical icon that is rendered on the displayelement 106. The illustrated embodiment of the battery life indicator107 includes multiple segments (four segments for this example).Moreover, each segment of the battery life indicator 107 is intended torepresent a proportional amount of remaining battery life. Thus, if allfour segments are displayed, then the battery could have up to 100% ofits total life remaining. In contrast, only one displayed segment mightindicate a low battery condition, a limited amount of remaining runtime,or a relatively low percentage of battery life remaining.

It should be appreciated that other embodiments may utilize more or lessthan four icon segments. Yet other embodiments could employ a differentscheme to represent the remaining battery life of the battery using thebattery life indicator 107. For example, an embodiment of the batterylife indicator 107 could be rendered in a continuous or virtuallycontinuous manner that does not rely on distinct segments per se. Asanother example, an embodiment of the battery life indicator 107 coulduse alphanumeric characters that indicate the amount of remainingruntime and/or a percentage of remaining battery life. Yet otherembodiments of the battery life indicator 107 could implement othergraphical schemes or icons to represent the remaining battery life.

The motor 134 represents the fluid delivery or drive motor of the fluidinfusion device 100. The motor 134 is controlled and activated toactuate the fluid reservoir 111 to deliver fluid via the infusion set102. The motor 134 may also be controlled and activated to rewind theactuator of the fluid reservoir 111 to accommodate removal andreplacement of the fluid reservoir 111. As explained in more detailbelow, operation of the motor 134 may be considered to be a high powerfunction of the fluid infusion device 100 because activation of themotor 134 typically requires a high amount of electrical current, whichconsumes a relatively high amount of energy. Consequently, the motor 134is coupled to a high power voltage rail of the fluid infusion device 100(the voltage rail is not shown in FIG. 3).

The infusion pump hardware, software, and applications 136 are utilizedto carry out other fluid infusion features, operations, andfunctionality that may not be the focus of this description. Thus, theinfusion pump hardware, software, and applications 136 may include orcooperate with the infusion set 102 and/or the fluid reservoir 111 (asdescribed above). It should be appreciated that the infusion pumphardware, software, and applications 136 may leverage known techniquesto carry out conventional infusion pump functions and operations, andsuch known aspects will not be described in detail here.

As mentioned previously, the fluid infusion device 100 obtains itsoperating power from a primary battery and a secondary battery, whichmay be used independently or in conjunction with one another. The powerdistribution system 128 is controlled and manipulated in an appropriatemanner such that the primary battery and the secondary battery supportdesignated functions and operations of the fluid infusion device duringspecified power phases. In this regard, FIG. 4 is a schematicrepresentation of an exemplary embodiment of the power distributionsystem 128. It should be appreciated that FIG. 4 depicts only onepossible implementation of the power distribution system 128. Otherembodiments of the host electronic device may utilize a powerdistribution system having a different architecture and topology thanthat shown in FIG. 4.

The illustrated embodiment of the power distribution system 128 includesor cooperates with a primary battery 202 and a secondary battery 204.The primary battery 202 will typically be a replaceable battery, such asan alkaline or a lithium AA size battery, while the secondary battery204 will typically be a rechargeable battery. In practice, the secondarybattery 204 may be considered to be a backup battery. Moreover, incertain embodiments the secondary battery 204 is internal to the fluidinfusion device 100, and it is not accessible to the user. In otherwords, the secondary battery 204 may be a “permanent” andnon-replaceable battery.

The power distribution system 128 includes a plurality of voltage rails,each of which is coupled to various elements, devices, modules, andfeatures of the fluid infusion device 100. For the sake of simplicity,FIG. 4 depicts only two voltage rails: a voltage rail 206 to provideoperating voltage for basic functions of the fluid infusion device 100;and another voltage rail 208 to provide operating voltage for high powerfunctions of the fluid infusion device 100. As used here, basicfunctions represent relatively low power and/or relatively low currentfunctions of the fluid infusion device 100, e.g., functions that mightrequire less than about 50 mA of current. In contrast, high powerfunctions represent relatively high power and/or relatively high currentfunctions, e.g., functions that might require more than about 50 mA ofcurrent. Depending upon the specific requirements and features of thefluid infusion device 100, the power distribution system 128 may includeone or more additional voltage rails, which may be designated as lowpower rails, high power rails, basic function rails, or as otherwiseneeded. Moreover, additional elements can be included in the powerdistribution system 128 to result in any alternate configuration neededto cooperate with additional voltage rails.

The illustrated embodiment of the power distribution system 128 alsogenerally includes, without limitation: a voltage converter 210associated with the primary battery 202; a voltage converter 212associated with the secondary battery 204; a charger 214 for thesecondary battery 204; a voltage multiplexer 220 for the voltage rail206; and a voltage multiplexer 222 for the voltage rail 208. For ease ofdescription, FIG. 4 also depicts the voltage monitor 130 even though itneed not be considered to be a part of the power distribution system128. For simplicity, FIG. 4 does not include reference (e.g., ground)voltage terminals, nodes, or connections for the elements and componentsof the power distribution system 128.

The primary battery 202 is coupled to both the input of the voltageconverter 210 and the input of the charger 214. The output of thecharger 214 is coupled to the secondary battery 204 to accommodatecharging of the secondary battery 204 as needed. The secondary battery204 is coupled to the input of the voltage converter 212. The output ofthe voltage converter 210 corresponds to a main voltage rail 228 of thefluid infusion device 100 (the main voltage rail 228 provides the mainsupply voltage for the fluid infusion device 100). The main voltage rail228 is coupled to an input 230 of the voltage multiplexer 220 and to aninput 232 of the voltage multiplexer 222. The output of the voltageconverter 212 corresponds to a backup voltage rail 234 of the fluidinfusion device 100. The backup voltage rail 234 is coupled to an input236 of the voltage multiplexer 220. Accordingly, in the illustratedembodiment the voltage multiplexer 220 is coupled to the primary battery202 via the voltage converter 210, and to the secondary battery 204 viathe voltage converter 212.

In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary battery 204 is directlycoupled to an input 239 of the voltage multiplexer 222. In alternateembodiments, however, the output of the voltage converter 212 may becoupled to an input 238 of the voltage multiplexer 222 (represented bythe dashed arrow in FIG. 4). Accordingly, in the illustrated embodimentthe voltage multiplexer 222 is coupled to the primary battery 202 viathe voltage converter 210, and to the secondary battery 204 via a directconnection. The output 240 of the voltage multiplexer 220 is coupled tothe “basic functions” voltage rail 206, and the output 242 of thevoltage multiplexer 222 is coupled to the “high power functions” voltagerail 208. The voltage monitor 130 may be coupled to one or more voltagerails, nodes, and/or terminals of the power distribution system 128 asneeded for voltage monitoring, measurement, and detection. For example,the voltage monitor 130 might be coupled to monitor the a voltage of theprimary battery, a voltage of the secondary battery, an output voltageof the voltage converter 210, an output voltage of the voltage converter212, etc. In certain implementations, the voltage monitor 130 is used tomonitor the voltage present at the main voltage rail 228, as depicted inFIG. 4.

In certain embodiments, the primary battery 202 is a replaceablebattery, such as a standard AA battery (alkaline, lithium, or the like).For such an implementation, the nominal voltage of the primary battery202 will be about 1.5 volts. For this example, the secondary battery 204is a rechargeable battery, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.Although not always required, the secondary battery 204 may have anominal voltage of about 3.7 volts. In practice, the primary battery 202represents the main power supply of the fluid infusion device 100, andthe secondary battery 204 represents the backup power supply of thefluid infusion device 100, as will be explained in more detail below.

The operation of the charger 214 may be controlled or regulated by oneor more of the electronics, processor, and control module(s) 120described above with reference to FIG. 3. In this regard, operation ofthe charger 214 is controlled to recharge the secondary battery 204 withthe primary battery 202 as needed or desired. In other words, the energyof the primary battery 202 can be used to charge the secondary battery204 (assuming that the primary battery 202 has sufficient energy to doso). To recharge the secondary battery 204, the charger 214 is turned onor is otherwise controlled into its active state so that energy from theprimary battery 202 can be used to recharge the secondary battery 204.

The voltage converter 210 (which need not be included in allembodiments) converts the battery voltage of the primary battery 202 toa desired DC voltage level that is suitable for use as the main supplyvoltage on the main voltage rail 228. Depending on the nominal batteryvoltage and the specification for the main supply voltage, the voltageconverter 210 may function to increase or decrease the battery voltageof the primary battery 202. For the exemplary embodiment described here,the voltage converter 210 boosts the nominal output voltage of theprimary battery 202 (1.5 volts DC for this example) to the main supplyvoltage for the fluid infusion device 100 (which is about 3.26 volts DCfor this example). The illustrated embodiment assumes that the mainsupply voltage serves as a common input to both voltage multiplexers220, 222. If different voltages need to be routed to the differentvoltage rails 206, 208, then the voltage converter 210 (or more than onevoltage converter) could be suitably configured to provide two or moresupply voltages.

Similarly, the voltage converter 212 (which need not be included in allembodiments) converts the battery voltage of the secondary battery 204to a desired DC voltage level that is suitable for use as the backupmain supply voltage on the backup voltage rail 234. Depending on thenominal voltage of the secondary battery 204 and the specification forthe backup main supply voltage, the voltage converter 212 may functionto increase or decrease the battery voltage of the secondary battery204. For the exemplary embodiment described here, the voltage converter212 converts the nominal output voltage of the secondary battery 204(3.7 volts DC for this example) to the backup main supply voltage forthe fluid infusion device 100 (which is about 3.13 volts DC for thisexample). The illustrated embodiment assumes that the backup main supplyvoltage serves as one input to the voltage multiplexer 220, while theunconverted output of the secondary battery 204 serves as one input tothe voltage multiplexer 222. In such an embodiment, the voltageconverter 212 may be used to reduce the voltage of the secondary battery204 before providing the reduced voltage to the input 236 of the voltagemultiplexer 220 (for use with the “basic functions” voltage rail 206),while the unconverted output of the secondary battery 204 is directlyused with the “high power functions” voltage rail 208. Of course, ifadditional voltages need to be routed to the different voltage rails206, 208 and/or to other voltage rails, then the voltage converter 212(or more than one voltage converter) could be suitably configured toprovide two or more supply voltages.

In practice, the voltage output of the secondary battery 204 can beapplied to the voltage rail 208 because some or all of the high powerfunctions include or cooperate with respective power supplies, drivers,or voltage converters that are able to boost or reduce the voltage ofthe secondary battery 204 as needed. Accordingly, the architecture neednot stage power supplies or voltage converters in series between thesecondary battery 204 and the high power voltage rail 208. In contrast,the system is preferably designed such that the various basic functionscan be driven with a common supply voltage present at the basicfunctions voltage rail 206.

The voltage multiplexer 220 is controlled to select one of its two inputvoltages as its output voltage for the voltage rail 206. Thus, in oneoperating state, the DC voltage present at the input 230 of the voltagemultiplexer 220 corresponds to the DC voltage of the voltage rail 206.In the other operating state, the DC voltage present at the input 236 ofthe voltage multiplexer 220 corresponds to the DC voltage of the voltagerail 206. Similarly, the voltage multiplexer 222 is controlled to selectone of its two input voltages as its output voltage for the voltage rail208. Thus, in a first operating state, the DC voltage present at theinput 239 of the voltage multiplexer 222 corresponds to the DC voltageof the voltage rail 208. In a second operating state, the DC voltagepresent at the input 232 of the voltage multiplexer 222 corresponds tothe DC voltage of the voltage rail 208. Accordingly, the control andoperation of the voltage multiplexers 220, 222 allows the primarybattery 202 and the secondary battery 204 to be coupled in a selectablemanner to the voltage rails 206, 208 as needed. In this context, thevoltage multiplexers 220, 222 (individually and collectively) representa selection architecture of the power distribution system 128, where theselection architecture is coupled to the voltage rail 206, the voltagerail 208, the primary battery 202, and the secondary battery 204. Asexplained above, the voltage converters 210, 212 may (but need not)appear as intervening elements coupled between the batteries 202, 204and the voltage multiplexers 220, 222.

The voltage rail 206 provides the operating voltage for certainfunctions or elements of the fluid infusion device 100 (e.g., basic orlow power functions). Such basic functions may include, withoutlimitation: the electronics, processor, and control module(s) 120; awireless transceiver; a display driver; sensors; flash memory; keypadlighting; light emitting diodes; etc. In contrast, the voltage rail 208provides the operating voltage for other functions or elements of thefluid infusion device 100 (e.g., high power functions). Such high powerfunctions may include, without limitation: operating the fluid deliveryor drive motor 134; operating the display backlight element 124;operating the audio transducer element 126; etc. In this regard, themotor 134, the backlight element 124, and the audio transducer element126 are coupled to the voltage rail 208 to obtain operating voltage(which may be supplied by the primary battery 202 or the secondarybattery 204 depending upon the power phase of the fluid infusion device100).

During operation of the fluid infusion device 100, one or more of theelectronics, processor, and control modules 120 (see FIG. 3) regulatesthe operation of the power distribution system 128 in accordance with aplurality of different power phases that are intended to take betteradvantage of the energy capacity of the primary battery 202. Theexemplary embodiment described here employs at least three distinctpower phases (although more or less than three could be implemented inpractice). During a first power phase, the primary battery 202 iscoupled to the voltage rail 206 and to the voltage rail 208 to provideenergy for the basic functions and the high power functions. During asecond power phase, the primary battery 202 is coupled to the voltagerail 206 to provide energy for the basic functions, and the secondarybattery 204 is coupled to the voltage rail 208 to provide energy for thehigh power functions. During the third power phase, the secondarybattery 204 is coupled to the voltage rail 206 and to the voltage rail208 to provide energy for the basic functions and the high powerfunctions.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of aphased power management process 500 associated with the operation of anelectronic device, such as the fluid infusion device 100. The varioustasks performed in connection with the process 500 (and other processesdescribed herein) may be performed by software, hardware, firmware, orany combination thereof. For illustrative purposes, the followingdescription of a given process may refer to elements mentioned above inconnection with FIGS. 2-4. In practice, portions of a described processmay be performed by different elements of the described system, e.g., abattery, a voltage multiplexer, a controller, processor, or electronicsmodule, or the like. It should be appreciated that a described processmay include any number of additional or alternative tasks, the tasksshown in the figures need not be performed in the illustrated order, anda described process may be incorporated into a more comprehensiveprocedure or process having additional functionality not described indetail herein. Moreover, one or more of the tasks shown in the figurescould be omitted from an embodiment of a described process as long asthe intended overall functionality remains intact.

The phased power management process 500 may be executed by an electronicdevice to increase the amount of energy that is extracted from itsprimary battery before replacement. This embodiment of the process 500begins by detecting the installation of a new or replacement primarybattery (task 502). Task 502 may involve the monitoring of the primarybattery voltage to detect a condition that is indicative of the removaland/or replacement of a primary battery. For example, if a minimumvoltage (e.g., 500 mV) is detected at the primary battery output, thenthe process 500 assumes that a primary battery is present. Accordingly,if the detected primary battery voltage falls below this threshold for asufficient duration of time, then task 502 assumes that the primarybattery has been removed. Thereafter, detection of a primary batteryvoltage above the threshold will signify that the primary battery hasbeen replaced.

Although a “new” primary battery will typically be unused, the process500 also contemplates the installation of a primary battery that has atleast some of its energy depleted. In response to the installation of aprimary battery, the power distribution system is arranged andconfigured to initially operate the device in the first power phase(task 504). During the first power phase, the primary battery providesthe energy to support all of the functions of the device, including thebasic functions and the high power functions (task 506). Moreover, thesecondary battery is charged with the primary battery (as needed and ifpossible to do so) while the device is operating in the first powerphase (task 508). This example assumes that the primary battery is ableto support all of the functions for at least an initial period of timeand, therefore, that the device is actually operated in the first powerphase. During this period of time, the power distribution system isarranged such that the primary battery provides voltage for the “basicfunctions” voltage rail and the “high power functions” voltage rail.Accordingly, the secondary battery is disconnected from the two voltagerails for operation in the first power phase.

In certain embodiments, the main supply voltage (present at the mainvoltage rail) is monitored during operation of the electronic device,and the detected main supply voltage controls or otherwise influencesthe transition from one phase to another phase. In this regard, thepower distribution system remains arranged in accordance with the firstpower phase when the main supply voltage is stable and greater than orequal to a stated threshold value. In practice, this threshold value maybe selected based on the operating voltage and electrical currentrequirements and specifications of the components, devices, and elementscoupled to the voltage rails. Thus, if the present state of the primarybattery can provide sufficient energy to maintain the main power rail ata minimum voltage level required for the high power functions (given theelectrical loading conditions at that time), then the process 500assumes that it is safe to continue operating the device in the firstpower phase. For the example described here, the threshold value for themain supply voltage is within the range of about 3.050 to 3.100 volts,and is preferably about 3.075 volts. It should be appreciated that thenominal threshold value will be influenced by the specifications andnominal output voltage of the primary battery and/or the nominal outputvoltage of the voltage converter for the primary battery. For example,the exemplary threshold voltage range given above assumes that thenominal and expected output voltage of the voltage converter 210 isabout 3.260 volts (see FIG. 4).

If the high power functions of the device are supported by the primarybattery (query task 510), then the power distribution system will remainarranged in accordance with the first power phase. Referring again toFIG. 4, for the first power phase the voltage multiplexer 220 iscontrolled such that the voltage from the voltage converter 210 appearsat the voltage rail 206, and the voltage multiplexer 222 is controlledsuch that the voltage from the voltage converter 210 also appears at thevoltage rail 208. During the first power phase, the charger 214 may alsobe controlled as needed to charge the secondary battery 204 with theprimary battery 202.

If the high power functions of the device are no longer supported by theprimary battery (query task 510), then the process 500 may check whetherthe basic functions of the device are supported by the primary battery(query task 512). If the basic functions can be supported by the primarybattery, then the power distribution system transitions from the firstpower phase to the second power phase. If the basic functions cannot besupported by the primary battery, then the power distribution systemtransitions from the first power phase to the third power phase, and theprocess 500 may proceed to a task 524 (described below).

The monitored main supply voltage may be analyzed to determine whetheror not the basic functions can be supported by the primary battery. Forthis example, transitioning the power distribution system from the firstpower phase to the second power phase is triggered when the main supplyvoltage falls below the threshold value (while it is being monitored inthe first power phase). Thus, the power distribution system can bearranged for operation in accordance with the second power phase (task514) in response to a determination that the primary battery can nolonger support the high power functions. If, after transitioning to thesecond power phase, the current state of the primary battery can providesufficient energy to maintain the main power rail at the minimum voltagelevel, then the process 500 assumes that it is safe to continueoperating the device in the second power phase.

During operation in the second power phase, the primary battery providesthe energy to support the basic functions of device (task 516), whilethe secondary battery provides the energy to support the high powerfunctions of the device (task 518). In addition, the secondary batteryis recharged with the primary battery (as needed and if possible to doso) while the device is operating in the second power phase (task 520).For operation in the second power phase, the power distribution systemis arranged such that the primary battery provides voltage for the basicfunctions voltage rail, and such that the secondary battery providesvoltage for the high power functions voltage rail.

Referring again to FIG. 4, for the second power phase the voltagemultiplexer 220 is controlled such that the voltage from the voltageconverter 210 appears at the voltage rail 206, and the voltagemultiplexer 222 is controlled such that the voltage from the secondarybattery 204 appears at the voltage rail 208. This action alsodisconnects the primary battery 202 from the voltage rail 208. Whileoperating in the second power phase, the charger 214 may also becontrolled to as needed to charge the secondary battery 204 with theprimary battery 202. Notably, the transition to the second power phasechanges the load of the primary battery 202. Consequently, under normalconditions the monitored main supply voltage will increase to a levelthat is greater than the designated voltage threshold.

If the basic functions of the device are supported by the primarybattery (query task 522), then the power distribution system will remainarranged in accordance with the second power phase. If, however, thebasic functions of the device are no longer supported by the primarybattery, then the power distribution system transitions from the secondpower phase to the third power phase. As mentioned above, if themonitored main supply voltage falls below the threshold voltage valuewhile operating in the second power phase, then the process 500 assumesthat the primary battery can no longer support even the basic functions.Consequently, the power distribution system is transitioned and arrangedfor operation in the third power phase (task 524). For this embodiment,transitioning the power distribution system from the second power phaseto the third power phase is triggered when the main supply voltage fallsbelow the threshold value (while it is being monitored in the secondpower phase).

During operation in the third power phase, the secondary batteryprovides the energy to support all functions of the device (task 526),including the basic functions and the high power functions. In otherwords, the electronic device does not rely on the primary battery forany of its operating functions. However, the primary battery may stillbe used to recharge the secondary battery (task 528) as needed and ifpossible to do so. Thus, any residual energy left in the primary batterycould be used to charge the secondary battery.

In certain embodiments, the process 500 generates a low battery warningat the electronic device (task 530) in response to the transition fromthe second power phase to the third power phase. The low battery warningmay be associated with an audible alert, a displayed message, anactivated graphical icon, or the like. The low battery warning isintended to notify the user of the low battery condition and to remindthe user to replace the primary battery with a fresh battery as soon aspossible to avoid any device downtime.

For operation in the third power phase, the power distribution system isarranged such that the secondary battery provides voltage for both ofthe voltage rails. Referring again to FIG. 4, for the third power phasethe voltage multiplexer 220 is controlled such that the voltage from thevoltage converter 212 appears at the voltage rail 206, and the voltagemultiplexer 222 is controlled such that the voltage from the secondarybattery 204 appears at the voltage rail 208. This action effectivelydisconnects the primary battery 202 from both voltage rails 206, 208during the third power phase. During the third power phase, the charger214 may also be controlled as needed to charge the secondary battery 204with the primary battery 202.

The third power phase may be maintained for a predetermined period oftime that is based on the expected energy capacity of the secondarybattery, assuming that the secondary battery by itself is responsiblefor the operation of the device. For example, the third power phase maytimeout after a specified number of minutes or hours, e.g., ten hours.Thereafter, it may not be possible to support all of the normaloperations of the device. Accordingly, the user will have theopportunity to replace the primary battery during the third power phase.

Notably, the phased power management technique described above enablesthe electronic device to prolong the useful life of the primary batteryregardless of the specific type (chemistry) of battery used.Theoretically, up to 90% of the total energy of a new primary batterycan be utilized if this power management scheme is implemented.Moreover, the power management scheme need not have advance knowledge ofthe installed battery type, and the electronic device need not rely onany empirical characterizations of different battery types.

In addition to the phased power management scheme described above, thefluid infusion device 100 may employ an intelligent methodology formonitoring and indicating the remaining life of the primary battery. Incontrast to traditional approaches that rely solely on the batteryvoltage level or a coulomb counter, the battery life indicator of thefluid infusion device 100 is generated using a combination of operatingparameters, and in a manner that results in an accurate and timeproportional indication of remaining battery life.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart that illustrates an exemplary embodiment of abattery life indicator process 600 associated with the operation of anelectronic device, such as the fluid infusion device 100. Referringagain to FIG. 3, a battery monitor system for the fluid infusion device100 could be implemented with one or more of the electronics, processor,and control modules 120, which may cooperate with the voltage monitor130, the battery runtime counter 132, and the power distribution system128 for purposes of generating the battery life indicator 107.

This embodiment of the process 600 begins by detecting the installationof a new or replacement primary battery (task 602). Although a “new”primary battery will typically be unused, the process 600 alsocontemplates the installation of a primary battery that has at leastsome of its energy depleted. In response to the installation of aprimary battery, the process 600 initializes and starts the runtimecounter for the primary battery (task 604). In certain embodiments, task604 is associated with the resetting or zeroing of the runtime counter,which may keep track of runtime in any desired unit (or units) of time,such as minutes, hours, or days. The process 600 monitors and measures abattery voltage, V_(B), of the primary battery in an ongoing manner(task 606). The exemplary embodiment described here uses the voltagemonitor to measure an “unloaded” battery voltage at a time when loadingof the primary battery is at a minimum. In this regard, the unloadedprimary battery condition might represent a state where the primarybattery is loaded with only those components that are necessary toobtain the battery voltage reading (e.g., one or more of the modules120, the voltage monitor 130, the memory 122, etc.). The measuredbattery voltage may be recorded or otherwise saved as appropriate.

In contrast to traditional approaches that use only the battery voltageas the metric for calculating remaining battery life, the techniquedescribed here also obtains at least one other operating parameter ofthe fluid infusion device (i.e., operating parameter(s) other than thebattery voltage of the primary battery) and generates the battery lifeindicator based on the monitored battery voltage and the obtainedoperating parameter(s). The additional operating parameters consideredby the process 600 may include, without limitation, a runtimemeasurement for the primary battery, and the power phase in which thedevice is currently operating (for the embodiment described above, thedevice operates in either a first power phase, a second power phase, ora third power phase). For this particular example, it is assumed thatthe indicating characteristics of the battery life indicator arecontrolled, governed, determined, or otherwise influenced by the powerphase, the runtime measurement, and the monitored battery voltage of theprimary battery. In alternate implementations, however, thecharacteristics of the battery life indicator might be controlled by:the power phase and the runtime measurement only; the power phase andthe monitored battery voltage only; or the runtime measurement and themonitored battery voltage only. In other words, the amount of remainingbattery life conveyed by the battery life indicator is governed by atleast two of: the monitored battery voltage; the designated power phase;and the runtime measurement.

Assuming that the power phase of the device will be considered, theprocess 600 determines or otherwise obtains the power phase of theelectronic device (task 608). For this example, therefore, task 608determines whether the electronic device is operating in the first powerphase, the second power phase, or the third power phase. The determinedpower phase may be recorded or otherwise saved as appropriate. Theprocess 600 also obtains the runtime measurement of the primary battery(task 610) and records or saves the runtime measurement.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the illustrated embodiment of the batterylife indicator 107 includes four segments that represent the remainingbattery life of the primary battery. Alternatively, the battery lifeindicator 107 may be displayed, generated, annunciated, or otherwisepresented to the user with appropriate characteristics that representthe remaining battery life. In other words, the use of a battery iconhaving four graphically distinct segments represents merely one of manypossible embodiments for the battery life indicator 107. For a segmentedbattery life indicator such as that depicted in FIG. 2, the process 600calculates the number of indicator segments to be displayed,illuminated, or otherwise rendered (task 612). Again, this particularembodiment calculates the number of segments based on the monitoredbattery voltage, the runtime measurement, and the power phase. Next, theprocess 600 generates and displays the battery life indicator with thecalculated number of segments (task 614).

The amount of remaining battery life represented by one, two, three,four, or no icon segments may be designated or configured as appropriatefor the particular embodiment. For this particular example, foursegments indicates that about 67% to about 100% of the battery liferemains, three segments indicates that about 33% to about 67% of thebattery life remains, and two segments indicates that less than about33% of the battery life remains. Thus, each of the “top” three segmentsapproximately represents about one-third of the total battery life.Notably, only one segment displayed indicates a low battery conditioncorresponding to a maximum remaining runtime of about ten hours (orabout 2% of remaining battery life). In other words, about ten hours ofbattery life remains when the battery life indicator 107 transitionsfrom two segments to only one segment. For this particular embodiment,no segments displayed indicates an “end of battery life” conditioncorresponding to a maximum remaining runtime of about thirty minutes.Accordingly, only about thirty minutes of batter life remains when thebattery life indicator 107 transitions from one segment to no segments.

If the primary battery is removed (query task 616), then the process 600may begin again at task 602. If not, then most of the process 600 isrepeated in an ongoing manner to update the battery life indicator in acontinuous manner.

As mentioned in the context of the process 600, the number of batterylife indicator segments may be determined based on two or more of: themonitored battery voltage, the runtime measurement, and the power phaseof the device. In this regard, FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustratesone particular embodiment of a battery life indicator process 700associated with the operation of an electronic device such as the fluidinfusion device 100. In practice, the process 700 may be incorporatedinto the process 600, and some aspects of the process 700 may be sharedwith the process 600.

The process 700 may be initiated whenever the battery voltage of theprimary battery, V_(B), is measured (task 702). For the exemplaryembodiment described here, V_(B) represents the voltage of the primarybattery in an “unloaded” state, as explained in more detail above. Inpractice, task 702 may be performed periodically, in accordance with apredetermined schedule, or in accordance with the management of otherprocesses, applications, and operations supported by the device. Forexample, it may be desirable to measure V_(B) once a minute. In additionto task 702, the process 700 may perform an initial check to determinewhether the operating state of the primary battery satisfies certainbaseline criteria (query task 704). This embodiment checks whether theremaining runtime of the primary battery satisfies a threshold timeperiod, such as thirty minutes. The threshold time period indicates thatthe primary battery is near its end of life. In practice, thedetermination made at query task 704 may be based on another processthat is performed independently of the process 700, or it may be basedon the current status of a variable maintained by the device. As anotherexample, query task 704 might simply check whether the measured value ofV_(B) exceeds a minimum baseline voltage threshold.

If query task 704 determines that the primary battery does not have asufficient amount of available runtime remaining, then the battery lifeindicator is generated such that no indicator segments are displayed(task 706). If query task 704 determines that the primary battery has atleast a minimum amount of runtime remaining, then the process 700 checkswhether the electronic device is currently operating in the third powerphase (query task 708). If so, then the battery life indicator isgenerated such that only one indicator segment is displayed (task 710).

If the electronic device is not operating in the third power phase, thenthe process 700 continues by checking whether the monitored batteryvoltage (V_(B)) is greater than an upper threshold voltage value, V_(T)_(—) _(U) (query task 712). Notably, the same upper threshold voltagevalue is used for all primary battery types and chemistries, e.g.,alkaline, lithium, or the like. In practice, V_(T) _(—) _(U) is selectedin accordance with the expected nominal battery voltage, the operatingrequirements of the electronic device, and/or other operatingparameters. More specifically, this threshold is selected aftercharacterizing different battery types (AA size) and determining anaccurate measure of full capacity or near-full capacity (i.e., at ornear 100% life remaining). For the non-limiting example presented here,V_(T) _(—) _(U)=1.3 volts DC. If the currently measured value of V_(B)is less than or equal to V_(T) _(—) _(U) (the “NO” branch of query task712), then the process 700 checks whether V_(B) is greater than a lowerthreshold voltage value, V_(T) _(—) _(L) (query task 714). The samelower threshold voltage value may be used for all primary battery typesand chemistries. In practice, V_(T) _(—) _(L) is selected in accordancewith the expected nominal battery voltage, the operating requirements ofthe electronic device, and/or other operating parameters. Morespecifically, this lower threshold is selected after characterizingdifferent battery types and determining a voltage that generallyindicates some decay or a typical amount of energy consumption. For thenon-limiting example presented here, V_(T) _(—) _(L)=1.2 volts DC. Ifthe currently measured value of V_(B) is less than or equal to V_(T)_(—) _(L) (the “NO” branch of query task 714), then the battery lifeindicator is generated such that only two indicator segments aredisplayed (task 716). Note that the upper and lower threshold valuesapply to different battery chemistries such that the process 700 can beuniversally executed without regard to the specific battery type that iscurrently installed.

Referring back to query task 714, if the currently measured value ofV_(B) is greater than V_(T) _(—) _(L) (the “YES” branch of query task714), then the process 700 checks whether the runtime measurement (t) isgreater than an upper threshold time value, t_(T) _(—) _(U) (query task718). For this embodiment, the same upper threshold time value is usedfor all primary battery types and chemistries, e.g., alkaline, lithium,or the like. In practice, t_(T) _(—) _(U) is selected in accordance withthe expected lifespan of a new primary battery, considering thevariations associated with different battery types. The value of t_(T)_(—) _(U) may also be selected based on the number of segments in thebattery life indicator and the desired manner in which the display ofthe segments is regulated. For the non-limiting example presented here,t_(T) _(—) _(U)=14 days. If the currently obtained value of t is greaterthan t_(T) _(—) _(U) (the “YES” branch of query task 718), then thebattery life indicator is generated such that only two indicatorsegments are displayed (task 716). If, however, the currently obtainedvalue of t is less than or equal to t_(T) _(—) _(U) (the “NO” branch ofquery task 718), then the battery life indicator is generated such thatonly three indicator segments are displayed (task 720).

Referring back to query task 712, if the currently measured value ofV_(B) is greater than V_(T) _(—) _(U) (the “YES” branch of query task712), then the process 700 continues by checking whether the runtimemeasurement (t) is greater than a lower threshold time value, t_(T) _(—)_(L) (query task 722). For this embodiment, the same lower thresholdtime value is used for all primary battery types and chemistries, e.g.,alkaline, lithium, or the like. In practice, t_(T) _(—) _(L) is selectedin accordance with the expected lifespan of a new primary battery,considering the variations associated with different battery types. Thevalue of t_(T) _(—) _(L) may also be selected based on the number ofsegments in the battery life indicator and the desired manner in whichthe display of the segments is regulated. For the non-limiting examplepresented here, t_(T) _(—) _(L)=4 days. If the currently obtained valueof t is greater than t_(T) _(—) _(L) (the “YES” branch of query task722), then the process 700 leads to query task 718 and continues asdescribed above. If, however, the currently obtained value of t is lessthan or equal to t_(T) _(—) _(L) (the “NO” branch of query task 722),then the process 700 checks whether the device is currently operating inthe first power phase (query task 724).

If the device is not operating in the first power phase (the “NO” branchof query task 724), then the battery life indicator is generated suchthat only three indicator segments are displayed (task 720). If,however, the device is operating in the first power phase (the “YES”branch of query task 724), then the battery life indicator is generatedsuch that all four indicator segments are displayed (task 726).

The conditions and criteria associated with the exemplary process 700may be summarized in the following manner. No segments are rendered ifthe remaining runtime of the primary battery is less than a designatedtime, or if the device otherwise indicates that the primary battery hasfailed, is completely or virtually void of charge, or the like. One (andonly one) segment is rendered when the device is operating in the thirdpower phase. Two (and only two) segments are rendered under threedifferent scenarios: (a) when the electronic device is not operating inthe third power phase, and V_(B)≦V_(T) _(—) _(L); (b) when theelectronic device is not operating in the third power phase, and V_(T)_(—) _(L)<V_(B)≦V_(T) _(—) _(U), and t>t_(T) _(—) _(U); or (c) when theelectronic device is not operating in the third power phase, andV_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U), and t>t_(T) _(—) _(U). Three (and only three)segments are rendered under three different scenarios: (d) when theelectronic device is not operating in the third power phase, and V_(T)_(—) _(L)<V_(B)≦V_(T) _(—) _(U), and t≦t_(T) _(—) _(U); (e) when theelectronic device is not operating in the third power phase, andV_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U), and t_(T) _(—) _(L)<t≦t_(T) _(—) _(U); or (f)when the electronic device is operating in the second power phase, andV_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U), and t≦t_(T) _(—) _(L). Finally, all four segmentsare rendered when the electronic device is operating in the first powerphase, and V_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U), and t≦t_(T) _(—) _(L).

Under typical and normal operating conditions, the battery lifeindication techniques described here result in predictable, accurate,and temporally proportional behavior. For example, if the normallyexpected lifespan of a fully charged primary battery is forty days, theneach displayed indicator segment will roughly correspond to tenremaining days of battery life.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended tolimit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subjectmatter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should beunderstood that various changes can be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by theclaims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents atthe time of filing this patent application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling a battery life indicatorfor an electronic device having a primary battery and a secondarybattery, the method comprising: determining whether the electronicdevice is operating in a first power phase, a second power phase, or athird power phase, wherein during the first power phase only the primarybattery supports functions of the electronic device, during the secondpower phase both the primary battery and the secondary battery supportfunctions of the electronic device, and during the third power phaseonly the secondary battery supports functions of the electronic device;and generating the battery life indicator with characteristics thatrepresent remaining battery life of the primary battery, wherein thecharacteristics are dictated by a battery voltage of the primary batteryand the determined power phase of the electronic device.
 2. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: obtaining a runtime measurement for theprimary battery, wherein the characteristics of the battery lifeindicator are dictated by the battery voltage, the obtained runtimemeasurement, and the determined power phase of the electronic device. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein: the battery life indicator has foursegments that represent remaining battery life of the primary battery;and generating the battery life indicator comprises generating only oneof the segments when the electronic device is operating in the thirdpower phase.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein: the battery lifeindicator has four segments that represent remaining battery life of theprimary battery; and generating the battery life indicator comprisesgenerating all four of the segments when the electronic device isoperating in the first power phase, the battery voltage is greater thanan upper threshold voltage value (V_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U)), and theobtained runtime measurement is less than or equal to a lower thresholdtime value (t≦t_(T) _(—) _(L)).
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein: thebattery life indicator has four segments that represent remainingbattery life of the primary battery; and generating the battery lifeindicator comprises generating only three of the segments when theelectronic device is not operating in the third power phase, the batteryvoltage is greater than a lower threshold voltage value and less than orequal to an upper threshold voltage value (V_(T) _(—) _(L)<V_(B)≦V_(T)_(—) _(U)), and the obtained runtime measurement is less than or equalto an upper threshold time value (t≦t_(T) _(—) _(U)).
 6. The method ofclaim 2, wherein: the battery life indicator has four segments thatrepresent remaining battery life of the primary battery; and generatingthe battery life indicator comprises generating only three of thesegments when the electronic device is not operating in the third powerphase, the battery voltage is greater than an upper threshold voltagevalue (V_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U)), and the obtained runtime measurement isgreater than a lower threshold time value and less than or equal to anupper threshold time value (t_(T) _(—) _(L)<t≦t_(T) _(—) _(U)).
 7. Themethod of claim 2, wherein: the battery life indicator has four segmentsthat represent remaining battery life of the primary battery; andgenerating the battery life indicator comprises generating only three ofthe segments when the electronic device is operating in the second powerphase, the battery voltage is greater than an upper threshold voltagevalue (V_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U)), and the obtained runtime measurement isless than or equal to a lower threshold time value (t≦t_(T) _(—) _(L)).8. The method of claim 2, wherein: the battery life indicator has foursegments that represent remaining battery life of the primary battery;and generating the battery life indicator comprises generating only twoof the segments when the electronic device is not operating in the thirdpower phase, and the battery voltage is less than or equal to a lowerthreshold voltage value (V_(B)≦V_(T) _(—) _(L)).
 9. The method of claim2, wherein: the battery life indicator has four segments that representremaining battery life of the primary battery; and generating thebattery life indicator comprises generating only two of the segmentswhen the electronic device is not operating in the third power phase,the battery voltage is greater than a lower threshold voltage value andless than or equal to an upper threshold voltage value (V_(T) _(—)_(L)<V_(B)≦V_(T) _(—) _(U)), and the obtained runtime measurement isgreater than an upper threshold time value (t>t_(T) _(—) _(U)).
 10. Themethod of claim 2, wherein: the battery life indicator has four segmentsthat represent remaining battery life of the primary battery; andgenerating the battery life indicator comprises generating only two ofthe segments when the electronic device is not operating in the thirdpower phase, the battery voltage is greater than an upper thresholdvoltage value (V_(B)>V_(T) _(—) _(U)), and the obtained runtimemeasurement is greater than an upper threshold time value (t>t_(T) _(—)_(U)).
 11. A battery monitor system for an electronic device having aprimary battery and a secondary battery, the battery monitor systemcomprising: a control module to operate the electronic device in adesignated power phase corresponding to either: a first power phaseduring which only the primary battery provides energy for operation ofthe electronic device; a second power phase during which both theprimary battery and the secondary battery provide energy for operationof the electronic device; or a third power phase during which only thesecondary battery provides energy for operation of the electronicdevice; and a battery life indicator controller coupled to the controlmodule to generate a battery life indicator for the electronic devicethat indicates an amount of remaining battery life of the primarybattery, wherein the amount of remaining battery life is determinedbased on the designated power phase.
 12. The battery monitor system ofclaim 11, wherein the battery voltage monitored by the voltage monitoris an unloaded battery voltage.
 13. The battery monitor system of claim11, wherein: when the electronic device is operating in the first powerphase, the primary battery supports basic functions and high powerfunctions of the electronic device; when the electronic device isoperating in the second power phase, the primary battery supports thebasic functions, and the secondary battery supports the high powerfunctions; and when the electronic device is operating in the thirdpower phase, the secondary battery supports the basic functions and thehigh power functions.
 14. The battery monitor system of claim 11,wherein the amount of remaining battery life indicated by the batterylife indicator is governed by a battery voltage of the primary battery,the designated power phase, and a runtime measurement of the primarybattery.
 15. The battery monitor system of claim 11, wherein the amountof remaining battery life indicated by the battery life indicator isgoverned by the designated power phase, and by a battery voltage of theprimary battery.
 16. The battery monitor system of claim 11, wherein theamount of remaining battery life indicated by the battery life indicatoris governed by the designated power phase, and by a runtime measurementof the primary battery.
 17. The battery monitor system of claim 11,wherein: the battery life indicator has four segments that represent theamount of remaining battery life of the primary battery; and the batterylife indicator includes only one of the segments when the designatedpower phase is the third power phase.